A Christmas Story (1983)Synopsis and Overview

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Showtimes + Tickets
  • A Christmas Story (1983)
  • Opened November 18, 1983 | Runtime:1 hr 33 min
  • PG
  • Information for parents: Common Sense Media says OK for kids 8+. Read More
  • In the 1940s, little Ralphie tries to convince his parents to get him a Red Ryder range-model BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Jean Shepherd.
  • Cast: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Ian Petrella, Scott Schwartz
  • Director: Bob Clark
  • Genres: Americana, Comedy Drama, Domestic Comedy, Family-Oriented Comedy, Holiday Film

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A Christmas Story (1983) Movie Trailers + Clips

A Christmas Story (1983) Featured Trailers + Video Clips

A Christmas Story (1983) Recent Fan Reviews

  • Must Go!

    a holiday classic

    by will ms

    this is my favorite holiday movie i watch it every year on tbs the acting was good the directing was good the cinematography was good the writing was good this movie is far kids age far 4 or 6

  • Must Go!

    A Christmas Classic

    "A Christmas Sory" tells the story of a dysfunctional family in the holiday season. The film revolves around Ralphie, the elder of two boys, and his longing for a BB gun. Ralphie turns to Mom and Dad, then Santa, and eventually gives up, but he has a surprise waiting for him under the tree! Subplots include one of Ralphie's classmates sticking his tongue to a pole, the theft of the family's turkey by a band of dogs, and the subsequent trip to a Chinese restaurant. Peter Billingsley stars in a good performance as mild-mannered Ralphie, and Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin provide solid performances as Ralphie's parents. The imperfection of the family and the impossibly peaceful holiday make this film a true Christmas classic.

  • Must Go!

    Best part of Christmas!

    by redyeah

    My favorite part of christmas time is watching this a billion times. I never tire of the official red ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle! Or the chinese food on christmas day, or the lamp, or the cursing. None of it. Best part of christmas!

A Christmas Story (1983) Critic Reviews

Go Avg. Critic Score 77 out of 100 Metascore ® based on all critic ratings.

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 100
    TV Guide |

    The cast is wonderful--especially McGavin, Billingsley and Petrella--the laughs...

  • 100
    The Onion A.V. Club | Noel Murray

    The affection audiences feel for A Christmas Story is related to the holiday...

  • 100
    Boston Globe | Jay Carr

    In short, A Christmas Story isn't just about Christmas; it's about childhood...

  • 88
    ReelViews | James Berardinelli

    It's those moments and others and the way they are tied together by Shepherd's...

A Christmas Story (1983) Movie Ratings + Reviews

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